Thankful

A lot has changed, and I have felt like I’ve been floundering in deeper water, unsure of exactly what to do, and overwhelmed by the tide of meanness and sorrow and just plain ignorance in the world.

I went to the woods by myself. I hiked about a mile and a half on the trail, and then I left the trail and plunged into the deeper snow. I went further into the woods, aiming myself at the river I knew was back there.

The snow was falling and the world became white and silent.

Finally, I reached the river and I sat in the snow and listened to it go by. Water in the silence of the woods.

I prayed…I spoke out loud to God and asked for His help. Then I laid in the snow and closed my eyes. The snow was falling harder, and I let it fall and cover me like a blanket. I breathed deep and slow and listened to the sound of each tiny, perfect snowflake landing.

I did not feel the cold, only the assurance that I have always had help and that I already knew the answer. It was time to stop being afraid and move forward.

When I rose from the snow, I felt like myself again. My eyes were restored and I laughed aloud. I know the Lord, and He knows me, and whatever crazy thing goes on in this world, He will help me to play my small part as best as I can.

“And I…did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto megreat things.”